Rotary International celebrates WHO declaration of polio-free Nigeria

Chairman, Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (NNPC), Dr. Tunji Funsho, has vowed that Rotary International would continue to ensure that Nigeria is polio free for the next two years and achieve certification status by 2017.

Addressing the media on the good news of the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcement of one year polio free in Nigeria and the annual world polio day slated for October 24, 2015, Funsho said Rotary International would not take anything for granted, but continue to intensify routine immunisation to raise population immunity. He added that children in security compromised areas will not be overlooked to forestall any outbreak of the disease.

Funsho also assured of fortification of international borders against importation of the virus. He disclosed that not less than US$1.9 billion has been spent by the Rotary Foundation apart from the partners contribution of US$8 billion to eradicate polio in the world.

Funsho said among various activities to mark the world Polio Day and celebration of one year absence of polio in Nigeria is Polio survival group match that would take place in Abuja.

In District 9110 comprising Lagos and Ogun states, activities would be held to mark the events from October 19 to 24.